Much of the attention this week has centered around the Net Neutrality issue.  While Americans are struggling to understand how capitalism in our Country can be circumvented by three dictators in closed meeting without any accountability to the citizens of this Country, there have been some other bills debated this week.  One is HR 5, the Student Success Act.

First let me preface my comments by saying it is the position of TMCV that the Federal involvement in the educational system is the primary reason for the deplorable failing in the educational standards for  the youth of our Country.  That acknowledged, the pragmatist must assess the landscape he faces in the modern educational debate.  The Federal Government controls the majority of our education.  The challenge before us is to keep government out of the forms of education that are still free from Federal control.

The initial reports I had on HR 5 painted a negative picture.  I posted some of those reports here on TMCV.  Further review of the bill and the support of some organizations I respect, has caused me to cautiously reconsider.  I do so with the caveats so aptly stated by many of the bills supporters.

The HomeSchool Legal Defense Association sent a letter of support for HR 5 but with numerous caveats. The majority of these emphasized the necessity that the language which protects home and Christian schools from government interference remain in the bill.  The Family Research Counsel has a similar letter in which their support is predicated upon language protecting children from sex education and wording that protects and upholds religious liberty.  Still, the implication is that this support could be withdrawn if certain language in the bill is withdrawn.

The Student Success Act has yet to be voted on.  Sources in Washington tell me there is at least 40 amendments still to be debated on HR 5.  For the home schooler or administrator of a Christian school, it is important to understand the language of independence in this bill hinges on not taking Federal funds.  As with anything, the temptation to take monies from the Federal or State governments will most assuredly result in government oversight.  This will destroy any free forms of education.  If we want to be independent, we must truly be independent.